Founded in Denton in 2012, Odysseus Chamber Orchestra consists of professional classical musicians from the DFW area. In May 2012, Odysseus launched a successful inaugural performance featuring local...

Odysseus Chamber Orchestra

Founded in Denton in 2012, Odysseus Chamber Orchestra consists of professional classical musicians from the DFW area. In May 2012, Odysseus launched a successful inaugural performance featuring local soloists, performed with Christopher Deane, Professor of Percussion at the University of North Texas and gave the world premiere of "Breathe" by Brad Robin, a work commissioned by Artistic Director, Jason Lim.

Innovative in its programs under the direction of Jason Lim, OCO collaborated with the Denton City Contemporary Ballet staging a full ballet performance of Prokofiev’s "Peter and the Wolf" and in 2014 staged the premiere performance of the full production of Igor Stravinsky’s "A Soldier’s Tale." In 2014, OCO collaborated with world-renowned double bassist, Jeff Bradetich featuring the Tango music of Astor Piazzolla.

In its short history, the Odysseus Chamber Orchestra has gained a growing national reputation as an emerging ensemble, winning third prize in the 2015 American Prize Competition for professional orchestras and 2nd prize in 2014. Odysseus Chamber Orchestra was also awarded an Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for excellence in performing American Music, an award shared with Artistic Director, Jason Lim. OCO has supported local service clubs like the Denton Breakfast Kiwanis Club, the Robson Ranch Kiwanis Club, sponsoring events such as the Eliminate Project Cruise and the Passing of the Banner Dinner.

The outreach programs of Odysseus has expanded in the last two year, providing free chamber music series concerts, free amenity concerts in neighborhoods, educational school performances and collaborating with the Arts and Music Guild to organize the Summer Music Intensives and in 2017 The Odysseus Orchestra formed and sponsored The Greater North Texas Youth Orchestra.

Furthermore, OCO pioneered the Mentorship Program created by Artistic Director Jason Lim. This program provides high school orchestra students the opportunity to rehearse and perform side-by-side with members of OCO. In 2014, OCO relocated from Denton and began planting new roots to become the resident professional orchestra of McKinney.